What is a normal free T4? If you are looking for a quick answer then somewhere in the top 50% of the reference range is a good starting point but it is much more nuanced than that. Various other conditions, even taking thyroid medication, can impact your free T4 and change up what would be considered normal.
In addition, because T4 is a hormone, we also need to establish the difference between a healthy and a normal level. A healthy free T4 is one that would be seen in people who are active, healthy, and have no thyroid problems.
But what does your free T4 actually mean?
Free t4 is a measure of the number of free T4 which is available in your blood. Free T4 simply means that the T4 hormone we are measuring is not bound up by proteins and is available for your body to use. But, even though it is available for use doesn't mean that it is active. In order to be active, free T4 must be turned into T3. Luckily, we have the ability to check both free T4 and free T3 to evaluate how well this is happening.
So what is a normal free T4? It really depends on your situation.
If you are not taking thyroid medication then an optimal free T4 is in the top 50% of the reference range.
If you are taking T4 only thyroid medication like Synthroid or levothyroxine, then a healthy free T4 is in the top 30% of the reference range.
If you are taking T3 medication such as NDT or Liothyronine/Cytomel, then it may be normal for your free T4 to drop. In this case, a healthy free T4 may be in the lower 50% of the reference range. In this case, it's often wise to look at total t3 and free T3 over free T4.
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- For thyroid hormone production and conversion: https://www.restartmed.com/product/th... + https://www.restartmed.com/product/t3...
- For hair loss: https://www.restartmed.com/product/th...
- For weight management: https://www.restartmed.com/product/gu... + https://www.restartmed.com/product/fu...
- For gut health: https://www.restartmed.com/product/ul...
- For energy and adrenal health: https://www.restartmed.com/product/th... + https://www.restartmed.com/product/po...
I'm Dr. Westin Childs and I focus on thyroid health, hormone balance, and weight loss. I write about thyroid disorders, weight loss, insulin resistance, estrogen/progesterone balance on my blog. I truly believe that hormone balance is the key to managing your weight, your mood and your quality of life which is why I'm so passionate about it.
You can find more general information on my site here:
https://www.restartmed.com/
If you enjoyed this video please subscribe on youtube or leave a comment on my podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/d...
This video is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have questions about your health please consult your physician or primary care provider. Dr. Westin Childs goes to great lengths to produce high-quality content but this is NOT a substitute for medical care.
In addition, because T4 is a hormone, we also need to establish the difference between a healthy and a normal level. A healthy free T4 is one that would be seen in people who are active, healthy, and have no thyroid problems.
But what does your free T4 actually mean?
Free t4 is a measure of the number of free T4 which is available in your blood. Free T4 simply means that the T4 hormone we are measuring is not bound up by proteins and is available for your body to use. But, even though it is available for use doesn't mean that it is active. In order to be active, free T4 must be turned into T3. Luckily, we have the ability to check both free T4 and free T3 to evaluate how well this is happening.
So what is a normal free T4? It really depends on your situation.
If you are not taking thyroid medication then an optimal free T4 is in the top 50% of the reference range.
If you are taking T4 only thyroid medication like Synthroid or levothyroxine, then a healthy free T4 is in the top 30% of the reference range.
If you are taking T3 medication such as NDT or Liothyronine/Cytomel, then it may be normal for your free T4 to drop. In this case, a healthy free T4 may be in the lower 50% of the reference range. In this case, it's often wise to look at total t3 and free T3 over free T4.
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- For thyroid hormone production and conversion: https://www.restartmed.com/product/th... + https://www.restartmed.com/product/t3...
- For hair loss: https://www.restartmed.com/product/th...
- For weight management: https://www.restartmed.com/product/gu... + https://www.restartmed.com/product/fu...
- For gut health: https://www.restartmed.com/product/ul...
- For energy and adrenal health: https://www.restartmed.com/product/th... + https://www.restartmed.com/product/po...
I'm Dr. Westin Childs and I focus on thyroid health, hormone balance, and weight loss. I write about thyroid disorders, weight loss, insulin resistance, estrogen/progesterone balance on my blog. I truly believe that hormone balance is the key to managing your weight, your mood and your quality of life which is why I'm so passionate about it.
You can find more general information on my site here:
https://www.restartmed.com/
If you enjoyed this video please subscribe on youtube or leave a comment on my podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/d...
This video is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have questions about your health please consult your physician or primary care provider. Dr. Westin Childs goes to great lengths to produce high-quality content but this is NOT a substitute for medical care.
Activity